Vancouver restaurants for a Father’s Day feast
Let’s face it, the last thing your dad needs is another pair of socks. This year, why not treat him to a Father’s Day feast at one of Vancouver’s standout restaurants. Pair your meal with a pint of craft beer and raise a glass to your main man. Here’s to you, pops! [Image courtesy of Nightingale]
Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
637 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G3Nestled in Vancouver’s downtown core, this classic steakhouse is an ideal spot for celebrations and special occasions. The menu boasts tuna tartare and oysters, but the true star is of course the steak. Meaty mains feature prime-grade beef that’s aged for 28 days, grilled to order and carved tableside for a theatrical flourish. The dining room’s warm wood panelling and oversized leather chairs give it an old-world ambiance, making it a great choice for an elegant date with dad.
The Hart House
6664 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5E 4H3Is your dad running in the Father’s Day Run for Prostate Cancer in Burnaby on Sunday June 18th? Why not treat him to a post-race meal at this nearby restaurant, a picturesque spot housed in a Tudor-style mansion. Hart House is hosting a special Father’s Day menu with special activities this year. Be sure to call ahead to reserve.
Nightingale
1017 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C4Family-style dining is an elevated affair at David Hawksworth’s latest culinary venture. Local foodies are, quite literally, flocking to Nightingale, so be sure to make reservations ahead of time. Housed in a 19th century heritage building, the two-storey dining room delivers an approachable and affordable menu of wood-fired pizzas, vegetables, small plates and larger entrees, and desserts. With so many options to choose from (there are 10 pizzas alone!), mix-and-match dishes are best when enjoyed family style, of course.
Memphis Blues Barbeque House
1342 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X6Your pops might be king of the grill but you should probably give him a break on Father's Day and let someone else take care of the cooking. Low and slow is the name of the game at this Southern-style barbecue joint with three locations around the city. Smoky ribs, juicy pulled pork and tender beef brisket are served with cornbread, coleslaw and all the typical fixin’s. For something truly unique, try the breaded and fried catfish or the spicy jambalaya packed with shrimp, sausage and smoked chicken. A bourbon-based cocktail is the perfect match for the sweet-and-smoky barbecue flavours.
Heirloom Restaurant
1509 12th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 2E2Not everyone’s dad is a caveman when it comes dining out. If your father favours sprouts over steak then make your way to Heirloom to enjoy vegetarian and vegan fare for brunch or dinner. Dishes are made with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and (unlike some lettuce-loving restaurants) the portions are generous and hearty. Even devout carnivores would consider turning over a new leaf after sampling the avocado skins stuffed with baked veggies, goat cheese and pesto. The contemporary dining room has a bright and airy feel that’s in keeping with the fresh fare on the menu.
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro
2741 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P9Forget breakfast in bed; let your dear old dad sleep in and then treat him to one of the best brunches in town. Home-cooked eggs can’t compete with the hearty breakfast dishes on the menu at this farm-to-table bistro in Kitsilano. From crispy pork belly and cheddar scrambled eggs to the smoked ham hock Benedict, your old man is sure to start the day off right with a meal here. For a boozy treat, order him an Okanagan Coffee, a caffeinated pick-me-up spiked with McLoughlin & Steele whiskey and maple syrup.
L'Abattoir Office
242-209 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2Does your dad fancy himself as a bit of a Mad Man? Then make your way to this renowned bar in Gastown to enjoy a stylish tipple or two. The restaurant’s ultra-cool interior is the perfect backdrop for enjoying craft cocktails; the choices range from tried-and-true classics to contemporary concoctions. Named for the on-screen ’60s sophisticate, the Donald Draper delivers a potent mix of Buffalo Trace bourbon, Cocchi Americano, Abricot de Roussillon, Peychauds bitters and Absinthe.
Craft Beer Market
85 1st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0C4There are zero bottles of beer on the wall at this craft brewery in Olympic Village, but that’s because you’ll find all 140 drafts available on tap. With so much selection, your best bet is to order Dad a tasting flight and sample a variety of different ales and lagers from local brewers or international brands. Bring you old man here to enjoy ale-inspired dinner dishes like beer can chicken and dark beer-braised beef brisket.
Black+Blue
1032 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3Black+Blue is a favourite stomping ground for downtown carnivores and is another great spot for a special night out with dad. Boasting a lively atmosphere and diverse crowd, service is always attentive and personal. To start, try the charcuterie platter, fresh mussels or a tangy Caesar salad tossed tableside. In the tradition of all great Vancouver steakhouses, the surf here is on par with the turf.
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